Rep. Jesse Pippy

Maddy summaryHB 1048 amends Maryland law to include historical horse races in the definition of "sporting event" for sports wagering purposes, allowing licensed sports betting facilities to accept wagers on past races. It specifically authorizes Class A-2 licensees - such as video lottery operators with 1,000 or fewer terminals and existing horse racing licensees - to offer these wagers under defined conditions. The bill expands the range of eligible events for sports betting without altering current licensing requirements or tax structures. This change affects the sports wagering industry by creating a new betting category for historical horse races, directly impacting licensed operators and consumers seeking this option.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Maryland public high school students to earn one math credit toward graduation by completing a college-prep computer science or programming course instead of a traditional math class. Students must take the course after completing Algebra II, and county school boards must certify eligible courses to the state Department of Education. It modifies existing graduation requirements to expand math credit options for students pursuing computer science pathways. The policy takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1211 requires law enforcement agencies to report student arrests for specific serious offenses (like violent crimes or gang-related violations occurring off school grounds) to the Maryland Center for School Safety, Juvenile Services Education Program, State Board of Education, and the State’s Attorney within 24 hours. The State’s Attorney must then notify these same agencies of court outcomes. This applies to students aged 5-22 in public or nonpublic schools across Maryland. The bill creates a formal reporting chain to ensure schools and safety programs receive timely information about student arrests and legal dispositions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from selling or distributing medetomidine or xylazine products without proof the purchaser intends to use them for veterinary, scientific, or institutional purposes. It bans sales to anyone under 21 years old and requires retailers to maintain records of age verification and purpose documentation for all transactions. Violations carry civil fines up to $6,500 per offense, with penalties deposited into the Maryland Substance Abuse Fund. The law applies to all retailers, including online platforms, and takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 403 requires Maryland correctional facilities to transfer undocumented immigrants serving sentences for certain crimes to U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) under specific circumstances. It directly affects undocumented immigrants incarcerated in Maryland facilities who have been convicted of or suspected of: terrorism/espionage, gang-related offenses under federal law, gang participation as a minor, or aggravated felonies. The bill mandates transfer if the individual meets any of these four criteria, creating a legal mechanism for state-federal coordination. It takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 982, the "Gun Theft Felony Act of 2025," reclassifies the theft of any firearm as a felony regardless of the firearm's value. Currently, firearm theft could be charged as a misdemeanor if the value was below $1,500, but this bill makes all firearm thefts automatically felonies. The bill amends Maryland’s Criminal Law to require that anyone convicted of stealing a firearm must restore the firearm to the owner or pay its value, with penalties including up to 20 years in prison or fines up to $25,000 based on the firearm’s value. This change directly affects individuals who steal firearms, increasing penalties for this specific offense.

Maddy summaryHB 653 mandates that Maryland correctional facilities must transfer undocumented immigrants serving sentences for specific offenses to U.S. Homeland Security. It directly affects undocumented immigrants incarcerated in Maryland who are convicted of terrorism/espionage threats, gang-related crimes (under federal definitions), aggravated felonies, or certain sexual offenses requiring registration. The bill requires transfer if an individual meets any of five specified conditions, including active gang participation or conviction for an aggravated felony. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, and adds these requirements to Maryland's Correctional Services code.

Maddy summaryHB 760 allows counties and municipalities to approve certain projects previously denied by the Maryland Historical Trust, directly affecting local governments and project applicants (e.g., developers). It applies specifically when projects were denied due to cemetery protections under §14-121.1 of the Real Property Article or for historic preservation/underwater archaeological permits under State Finance law. The bill requires local planning commissions to hold a public hearing within 60 days of an applicant’s request, publish notice in a local newspaper and online, and recommend approval or denial to the governing body. This creates a new pathway for projects blocked by the Historical Trust, streamlining local decision-making.

Maddy summaryHB 1215 extends the deadline for homeowners associations, condominiums, and cooperative housing corporations to reach recommended reserve funding levels after an initial reserve study. Currently, these groups must meet the funding target within 3 fiscal years of completing the study, but the bill would extend this period to 5 fiscal years. The change applies only to the initial reserve study requirement, not to ongoing annual reviews or funding levels. This affects all Maryland community associations that have completed an initial reserve study and must adjust their funding plans accordingly.

Maddy summaryHB 1451, the Climate Solutions Affordability Act of 2025, modifies Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act to require certain climate measures "to the extent economically practicable." It directs building owners to annually measure and report direct emissions data to the Department of the Environment starting in 2025, and sets goals for covered buildings to achieve a 20% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 (compared to 2025 levels) and net-zero emissions by 2040. The bill also updates statewide targets to reduce emissions 60% below 2006 levels by 2031 and reach net-zero statewide emissions by 2045, while adding provisions for zero-emission state vehicle fleets and school buses. These changes apply to building owners, utility contractors, and state agencies implementing climate programs.